Strong Heart and Vascular Center
Heart Conditions
High Cholesterol
What Is High Cholesterol?
Cholesterol is a soft, fatty substance that is produced by the body and is found in the bloodstream and in the body's cells. It is also something we consume in many foods we eat. A certain amount of cholesterol is healthy, but high levels of cholesterol can lead to heart disease.
There are two kinds of cholesterol - low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and high-density lipoprotein (HDL). Although the HDL cholsterol is beneficial, it is the LDL cholesterol that can be dangerous at high levels.
Symptoms of High Cholesterol
There are no symptoms of high cholesterol. Therefore, it is important for every adult (age 20 and older) to have their cholesterol checked on a regular basis.
Risk Factors of High Cholesterol
Some people are more likely than others to develop high cholesterol. Some risk factors that contribute to this disease are:
- Diet - diets high in saturated fat and cholesterol cause the blood cholesterol to increase
- Smoking
- Obesity - being overweight is a risk facor for heart disease, and most overweight people also have high cholesterol
- Sedentary lifestyle - lack of exercise can cause your level of cholesterol to increase
- High blood pressure - many people who suffer from high blood pressure also have high cholesterol
- Age - cholesterol levels rise as you age
- Gender - before menopause, women tend to have lower levels of cholesterol than men. After menopause, women's cholesterol rises.
- Family history - if other family members have had high cholesterol, you have an increased risk of developing it as well.
Diagnosing High Cholesterol
All adults age 20 and older should have their cholesterol checked regularly, usually about every 5 years unless your doctor recommends otherwise. There are two main types of cholesterol tests:
- Lipoprotein profile - This blood test requires
a 9-12 hour fast, and gives information on total cholesterol,
LDL (bad) cholesterol, HDL (good) cholesterol, and triglycerides
(another type of fat found in the blood). This is the most
complete
screening.
- Cholesterol profile - This is also a blood test, but does not require fasting. Although it does not give as complete of a picture as the lipoprotein profile, it does indicate the total cholesterol and the HDL cholesterol.
Following are cholesterol levels and their associated risk:
| Total Cholesterol Level | Risk Category |
| Less than 200 mg/dL | Optimal |
| 200-239 mg/dL | Borderline High |
| 240 mg/dL and above | High |
| LDL Cholesterol Level | Risk Category |
| Less than 129 mg/dL | Good |
| 130-159 mg/dL | Borderline High |
| 160-189 | High |
| 190 mg/dL | Very High |
Treatment and Prevention Options
If you have been diagnosed with high cholesterol, bringing it under control and within healthy levels is important in order to avoid heart disease and associated complications. Following are steps your doctor will likly recommend to help you lower your cholesterol:
- Change your diet - maintain
a heart-healthy diet that is low in saturated fat and cholesterol
- Weight management - If you are overweight
or obese, discuss with your doctor the best weight loss plan
for you.
- Exercise - regular physical activity can
lower your cholesterol
and help prevent heart disease
- Quit smoking
- Medication - At times it may be necessary
for your doctor to assist your efforts to lower your cholesterol
with medication. Talk with your doctor about what is right
for you.